The points of issue
Viking trade first, full number line; the printed price jacket price. Companion to Bachman's 'The Regulators' (issued same day, September 24, 1996). Trade first has vivid red endpapers.
Is this the true first?
US Viking true first; UK Hodder follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
BCE lacks the number line and jacket price, and has plain white endpapers where the trade first's are vivid red.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Desperation a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Viking trade first, full number line; the printed price jacket price. Companion to Bachman's 'The Regulators' (issued same day, September 24, 1996). Trade first has vivid red endpapers.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US Viking true first; UK Hodder follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
BCE lacks the number line and jacket price, and has plain white endpapers where the trade first's are vivid red.
I have a first edition of Desperation — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.